Two other newcomers to the varsity, junior guard Jordan Brooks (6-2), a transfer from Archbishop Spalding and sophomore forward Blair Brooks (6-0), should also give the Lakers production on the starting unit.

Breakdown: While Blackwell and Mayberry will be key contributors for the Cardinals, sophomore Drew Edwards is the player that is drawing the most attention from big-time collegiate programs.

"By the end of the year, Drew was playing a crucial role for us," Calvert Hall coach John Bauersfeld said, noting the Georgetown University and the universities of Maryland and Arizona are the leading schools currently on the shooting guard's wish list. "We had to win four straight games down the stretch to get into the (MIAA A Conference) playoffs, and he's a big reason why we made it."

Breakdown: New coach Al Holley said he was looking to leave his "comfort zone" and try something different when he landed at Friends after leading Milford Mill to a pair of Class 3A state titles in 2009 and 2010.

What Holley inherits is a team that he feels can be competitive in the MIAA B Conference this season,

In order for that to happen, though, Filer must get the ball from his teammates often enough in the half court to take his deadly jumper.

That's exactly what happened in a 30-point loss to defending A Conference champ John Carroll when Filer poured in 14 points in the third quarter alone.

"He's our best shooter," Holley said. "We'll lean on him to score points."

Breakdown: Bill Toole found the cupboard well-stocked when he took the Loch Raven job in the offseason after coaching the school's junior varsity last year.

And he's encouraged about the Raiders' prospects for success.

"It's a great job because (former coach) Doug Able has really developed the kids the past couple of years," said Toole, who worked as a Loch Raven varsity assistant two years ago. "They are a great, cohesive group. They play hard and they know what is expected of them."

Wiley is the primary outside scoring threat. His quick release is an asset.

"Our best athlete is Elliot," Toole said. "He has a great shot and is a slasher. He will have to take on most of the scoring."

Logan and senior Anton Wiggins (5-8) will be the playmakers. They are both good ones.

"I plan to start the one who is playing harder in practice," Toole said. "They will be batting it out the whole season. Marqus is more athletic. Anton is a heady point guard who is a pass-first guy. That might be what we need."

The floor leaders will have to get the ball inside to Wagner, who will be the threat in the paint and also defend opposing big men.

"Drew is a consistent guy," Toole said. "He will play hard for you, getting rebounds and loose balls."

Toole promoted three players from last year's JV — junior forward Ed Dett (5-11) and junior guard Vasili Sidou (5-10) and his son, Billy (5-11), a junior guard — to give him more options off the bench.

Breakdown: The Dons are happy to have Bradley back in the fold running the show while looking for shooters like Cross to beat enemy defenders in the half court or down the floor.

A couple of 6-foot-2 guards, Billy Plunkett and Ryan Fields, should give Loyola more ways to ignite its running style.

The biggest issue for the Dons, though, will be finding other ways to stay in games.

"We're very small, so we're going to have to find a way to rebound the ball," coach Josh Davalli said. "We'll play a similar style to what we played last year. We'll rely on Bennett and Mitch to lead us again.

Realistically, it will be tough for Loyola to contend for a title in the powerful A Conference, given the size and depth of some rivals.

"We have to find rewards from something other than wins," Davalli said.

St. Paul's was eliminated by St. Vincent Pallotti in a playoff semifinals last season and will be gunning for its first title since 2010

"The No. 1 thing we need is experience," Goldberg said. "I love their effort and chemistry."

Craig Clary

Towson

Record last year: 7-16

Returning starters: Senior guard Chance Goldring (6-4).

Breakdown: Although Goldring is the only returning starter who played nearly every game, the Generals had a trio of senior guards who started several games, namely Elias Hilair (6-3), Amry Majeed (5-11) and James Frieson (5-7).

Hilair developed physically during the offseason and is capable of playing any position on the floor.

Darran Cole (6-2), a senior transfer from Poly who never played basketball for the Engineers, bolsters the backcourt.

Junior Sebastian Ambeiger (6-9) has shown significant improvement and could be one of the tallest players in Baltimore County.

"He's really long, and he's definitely going to help us because of his size," coach Tim Gavin said.

Senior Mark Russell (6-3), who missed last season because of knee surgery, could help underneath, along with juniors Charlie O'Melaia (6-5), Kenny Hill (6-3) and Kamil Essian (6-3), a transfer from Friends.

"We are really deep," Gavin said. "I think our biggest strength is we are extremely athletic and fast, and we can get up and down the floor. We've got guys here who can do things we haven't seen since I've been here the past three years."